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Approved Projects Cedars and High-value Hardwoods Bring Benefits to Fraser-Harrison Farmland In many rural areas of the Fraser Valley , there are substantial portions of under-utilised farmland along fence lines, urban boundaries and waterways, and around farm buildings, on marginal lands, or areas where machine access is restricted. This land represents opportunities for income and product diversification, as well as environmental benefits. Initial costs, however, often discourage landowners from investing in trees, so Fraser-Harrison SmartGrowth is helping to tip the balance in favour of trees in the District of Kent by defraying costs, selecting varieties that are best suited to specific sites and provide a balance of economic and ecological benefits. This innovative agroforestry demonstration project in the upper Fraser Valley focuses on native western red cedar and high-value hybrid hardwoods (walnut, chestnut and oak). Cedars make good, low-maintenance windbreaks, urban boundaries, fence line plantings and riparian buffers. At 10 years of age the cedars can be pruned for boughs for the Christmas floral market, with the average tree producing $50 worth of wholesale boughs every 2 years. That means 1000 cedar trees should yield a minimum of $25,000 of cedar boughs per year, escalating as the trees mature. Higher prices can be obtained if local producers ship directly to markets in eastern Canada and the United States . Alternatively, the retail value is about 3 tim es the wholesale value and it is likely local cottage industries will emerge as more trees are planted in the District of Kent. Cedar oil production is also an option. During the growth period the cedars provide valuable wildlife habitat and shade for waterways. In 50 years the mature cedar trees will be worth $300 at today's prices, or up to $600 for veneer, so a planting of 1000 trees will be worth at least $300,000. The value of cedar products is expected to rise as sources on public land are overexploited. High-value hardwoods are less suited as windbreaks and riparian buffers and best for fence lines and areas where machine access is restricted. They require good soil and good drainage. They also promise significant returns at maturity in 30-35 years. Black walnut logs with at least 12 feet of knot-free wood - produced by pruning of lower branches - are used for veneer and are worth $1500 - $2500 each, depending on market conditions. That means 1000 black walnut trees could be worth $1.5 to $2.5 million. Oak and chestnut are slightly less valuable. It should be noted that this value is reflected in property prices as the trees mature. The cost for each tree is $8-$15, so planting cedars and hardwoods can be an expensive undertaking. This cost is the biggest barrier to investment so Fraser-Harrison SmartGrowth is looking for ways to provide financial support to landowners in Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Harrison Hot Springs and Seabird Island . Fraser-Harrison SmartGrowth also provides advice on species and site selection, digs holes with a tractor and augur where possible, and organizes volunteers to plant sites. In 2004, two demonstration sites on dairy farms in Agassiz were planted with 400 black walnut, English walnut, red oak, white oak and chestnut. They will be pruned for wood value and nut production will be minimized. These farms are also planting 900 cedar trees on a variety of sites. The landowners with assistance from the Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative have funded these demonstrations. For the past two years Fraser-Harrison SmartGrowth has also worked with the Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) to provide free native plants to landowners adjacent to ditches, streams, sloughs and other waterways. Under the 'Free Trees' program, about 5000 shrubs and trees have been planted in riparian areas, with similar amounts planned for 2005 and 2006. Landowners are encouraged to plant western red cedar so they can derive income from the sale of cedar boughs. Native bigleaf maple are also encouraged for their sugar production potential and high quality wood. Ditches are only planted on one side to allow proper drainage maintenance and flood control. The overall aim of Fraser-Harrison SmartGrowth is to maintain the rural quality of the District of Kent, to build trails and greenways, to encourage alternative transport, and to promote growth, development and business compatible with the agricultural industry that is the mainstay of the local economy. These objectives are closely linked to the Small Lot Agriculture program in the District of Kent, run by the Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee. The western red cedar and high-value hardwoods project will increase the profile of agroforestry in the upper Fraser Valley and offer a demonstration for other landowners wanting to become involved in agroforestry initiatives. The project will also serve as a case study for an agroforestry workshop and as the basis for field days demonstrating planting, maintenance, pruning, and bough cutting, as well as value-added activities such as wreath-making. The environmental benefits of these agroforestry systems will also be discussed. For more information on this project, contact project co-ordinator Detmar Schwichtenberg at fraserharrison@telus.net |